(Balloonerism)

Man, where do I even start with Mac Miller? He was a rapper, an artist, and a man who was filled with enough love and passion for music to fill 10x people’s ambitions 10 times over.

Throughout his career, regardless of his spotty discography, the one thing he always had in spades was passion and true love for the ‘music.’ And just when I thought you couldn’t possibly top his first posthumous release, ‘Circles,’ we get this masterpiece showcasing just how amazing and diverse of a spirit Miller was.

Right off the bat, we get this tambourine intro that is just so different that it’s brilliant. If you ever saw him on things such as ‘Rhythm Roulette’ or ‘Tiny Desk Shows,’ you’ll understand he always had a deep appreciation for all kinds of music styles and instruments, not just Hip Hop. And this intro and, in fact, this album prove that in spades, using completely fresh and unconventional instruments that he hasn’t dabbled with in his career as much as he is on this.

While listening through this, I couldn’t help but shed a tear over some of the lyrics, such as his death or his drug abuse, potentially cutting his life short. Of course, there’s his usual braggadocio lyrics, which he’s most known for, but despite that, his energy, passion, and aura are all on a different level that I don’t feel anyone could ever match.

I’ll be honest, I was worried when I first saw the tracklists and saw SZA on the track, afraid they were going to try to force a posthumous collab that never would have happened in his life, but it was done subtly and tastefully, and I’m very happy they did that, not that I have anything against her; she’s incredibly talented, but I just was afraid it wasn’t his initial intention.

This album is just shy of an hour, and throughout the whole 58 minutes, you hear different sides of Mac (similar to his experimentation on Circles) but more so. Whether it’s vocal mixing, instrumental choices, or deep personal cuts, we see all corners of his being. The only downfall is that it was forced to be shown after death.

Mac, there will never be another like you. You were truly one of a kind. Your albums such as: 

-The Divine Feminine 

-Swimming

-GO:OD Am

-Circles

And now this will be considered in my eyes as some of the best hip-hop albums out there regardless of who says what about them. Two of the best posthumous records rap has to offer, and although this album provides a wonderful and beautiful look into your soul, it’s also a tragic reminder that it’s beyond the grave.

R.I.P., Mac Miller, one of the best.